Conditionals

EN Study

• The Zero Conditional
• The First Conditional
• The Second Conditional
• The Third Conditional
• Exceptions and special cases
  • Modals
  • If only
  • Alternatives to if
  • Were in the if-clause
  • Past perfect + would
  • Should
  • Were to
  • Happen to
  • Where not for / hadn't been for
  • Simple future in the if-clause
• Other ways of making conditional sentence
  • Supposing (if), otherwise (if not)
  • But for
  • If so, if not
  • Colloquial omission of if
  • If and adjectives
  • Formally if can mean although

The Zero Conditional

Present + present / Past + past

If + present simple, ...present simple.
If + past simple, ...past simple.

if = when
present může být present perfect

Použití:

• Repeated action
• Always true
• Facts
• What was always true

Examples:

• If you don’t brush your teeth, you get cavities.
• When people smoke cigarettes, their health suffers.
• We went home early if it was foggy.
• If it was snowing, we stayed inside.

The First Conditional

Present + future

If + present simple, ...will + infinitive.
If + present simple, ...be going to + infinitive.

present může být present perfect

Použití:

• Něco, co očekáváme, že se stane v budoucnu
• Reálné situace

Examples:

• If you rest, you will feel better.
• If you set your mind to a goal, you’ll eventually achieve it.
• If you keep driving like that, you are going to have an accident.

The Second Conditional

past + would

If + past simple, ...would + infinitive.

was -> were - for all persons
I would -> I should - very formal, old-fashioned

Použití:

• Něco, co neočekáváme, že se stane v budoucnu
• Nereálné, hypothetické situace

Examples:

• If I inherited a billion dollars, I would travel to the moon.
• If I owned a zoo, I might let people interact with the animals more.
• If she were / was better qualified, she would get the job.

The Third Conditional

Past perfect + would have

If + had + past participle, ...would + have + past participle.

Použití:

• Něco, co by se mohlo stát v minulosti, ale nestalo se

Examples:

• If you had told me you needed a ride, I would have left earlier.
• If I had cleaned the house, I could have gone to the movies.

Exceptions and special cases

Modals

Possible situations in the present

• If you get wet, you should change your clothes.
• If we leave now, we might get there on time.

Hypothetical situations

• If you were taller, you would be able to reach the top shelf.
• If I had money, I could help you.

Hypothetical past situations

• She could have been injured if she hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt.
• If you hadn't reminded me, I might have forgotten.

If only

Použití:

• Přidává důraz na hypotetické situace
• Na situace v minulosti přidává lítost
• Nemusí být hlavní věta -> povzdech

Examples:

• If only my phone was working, I could call a taxi.
• If only I hadn't drunk too much, this wouldn't have happened!
• If only I had enough time!
• If only you listened to me!

Alternatives to if

• Unless = if not
  • Unless you call me this afternoon, I won't get the tickets. (I only get the tickets if you call me.)
  • I'll go ahead and get the tickets unless you call me this afternoon. (I'll get the tickets if you don't call me.)
• As / so long as / provided (that) / only if
  • One situation depends on another, "if" can be replaced
  • I'll do what you say provided (that) the police are not informed.
  • You'll be fine, as long as you don't slip.
• Even if (i když / i kdyby)
  • Describes how something will happen whatever the condition
  • Even if it rains, we'll still go for a picnic.
  • We wouln't have won the game even if Smith's goal had been allowed.

Were in the if-clause

We can use 'were' instead of 'was' with 'I' and 'he/she/it'. This is mostly done in formal writing. (if I were you...)

Past perfect + would

Past events with results in the present

• She would still be alive if she had seen a doctor in time.
  • She wouldn't have died if she had seen a doctor in time. (3rd conditional, dopad v minulosti)
• If Jim hadn't missed the plane, he would be here by now.

Should

Neočekávám, že se to stane, ale pokud ano, tak... (hypotetická situace)

• If you should see Ann, could you ask her to call me?
• Let me know if you should change your mind.

Were to

co kdyby... (hypotetická situace)

• If I were to ask you to marry me, what would you say?
• How would you feel if you were to lose your job?

Happen to

kdybyste náhodou... (je šance)

• If you happen to see Helen, could you ask her to call me?
• If you should happend to be passing, drop in for a cup of tea.
  • Pokud byste náhodou šli kolem, zastavte se na šálek čaje.

Where not for / hadn't been for

How one event depends on another

• If it weren't for Jim, this company would be in a mess.
• If it hadn't been for their goalkeeper, United would have lost.

Simple future in the if-clause

If + will + infinitive, ...will + infinitive.

Použití:

• When the action in the if-clause will take place after the action in the main clause.
• Politeness and emphasis

Examples:

• If aspirin will ease my headache, I will take a couple tonight.
• If you will/would wait here, I'll see if Mrs Green is free.
• If you will stay out late, no wonder you are tired.

Other ways of making conditional sentence

Supposing (if), otherwise (if not)

• Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?
• Suppose he comes back, what will you say?
• I hope it rains soon, otherwise I'll have to water the garden.
  • If it doesn't rain soon, I'll have to water the garden.
• Thanks for your directions to the house. We wouln't have found it otherwise.
  • If you hadn't given us directions to the house, we wouldn't have found the house.

But for

• This can replace if not. It is used in formal language and must be followed by a noun form.
• But for your help, we would have been in trouble.
  • If you hadn't helped us, we would have been in trouble.

If so, if not

• These can refer to a verb in a previous sentence
• There is a possibility that Jack will be late. If so, I will take his place.
• Have you completed your project? If not, when do intend to hand it in?

Colloquial omission of if

• An imperative can be used instead of an if clause in everyday speech
• Sit down, and I'll tell you what happened.
• Come back later, and I'll give you the money.

If and adjectives

• If interested, apply within. (např. v inzerátu na práci)
• If necessary, take a taxi.
• If possible, leave before 6.

Formally if can mean although

• Usually followed by an adjective
• The room was well-furnished, if a little badly decorated.
• Her work is of a good standard, if sometimes rather untidy.